On Fire Painting

Dumitru (Tica) Vonica (1924- 2001), Alin's father, is the author of the works and the artist in the picture. It's as if the term "outsider" was created for Tica. A medical doctor with a natural artistic talent, who lived most of his life in Cluj, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, a historic province now part of Romania, he turned resolutely to painting in the early 60s and never looked back. This was 'thaw" time in Eastern Europe, and artists, professional or amateurs, were feverishly exploring new directions, inspired by the West and driven by a long-repressed yearning for freedom. Tica saw art as a purpose in itself, and compromise, whether imposed by government policies, or demanded by the ever changing public taste, was never an considered. A self-taught artist and restless intellectual, he remained devoted to his art as the good 60s turned into the bad 70s, and the dark, cold and hungry 80s of notorious Communist Romania, made worse by the bipolar condition which devastated the last two decades of his life. Tica created a parallel universe of refined colors, depths, details and bold strokes, appealing to souls yearning for solace and minds eager for challenge. His work is a living testimony for Tica's lonely fight against geopolitical fate, in the hope of joining the Eden of the universal human consciousness. No one making art now can tell if it will still be valued half a century later. Tica Vonica's work has already proved it's lasting appeal. This selection covers the evolution of his art, from early simple and luscious curves in the 60s, to his mature art starting in the late 60s, where color, depth, wealth of detail and bold strokes create a complexity best discovered over repeated visits. A Vonica work in your home or office will be a new experience every day. I am not an art person (I am a biologist), and did not penetrate the world of high art. The main reason why I kept alive the effort to make Tica's work known is the genuine interest shown by people of different walks of life, some true experts, some barely interested in art. These paintings have touched souls, and will continue to do so for centuries. I am the only descendent, and heir, of Tica Vonica. I personally recovered the works, many of which have never been shown to the public before, from the workshop of the artist in Romania, and therefore guarantee their authenticity. Alin Vonica